Thoughts for the new year…

“Forget the former things;

 do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.”

Isaiah 43:18-19

Photo by: Carly Mitchell Photography

I love how God understands our human nature—how we tend to hold on to things. He knows we struggle to let ourselves off the hook. We beat ourselves up over our mistakes, bad attitudes, ungrateful hearts, and so much more. We replay our failures on a loop in our minds, but God wants something better for us.

God wants us to have expectant hearts, focusing on what He is doing now and what He will do in the future.

Just like the Israelites, we are not meant to dwell on the past. Instead, we are called to live in the present, paying attention to how God is working in our lives today.

As we step into this new year, let’s resist the urge to look back with regret or too far ahead with worry. Instead, let’s focus on where we are right now and intentionally seek out the good that God is doing in and through us. Let’s not miss it.

What new things is He doing in your life, and will you perceive it?

Where is He inviting you to make changes in your heart?